Stories by Ben Stas

Most bands would like to think that their music offers up some distinctive element that the listener isn’t getting elsewhere, but in the case of pseudonymous U.K. duo Public Service Broadcasting, that claim can be both stated and verified. The pair’s sound brings to mind latter-day Mogwai with a genuinely unique conceit: a wealth of painstakingly gathered archival samples that function as storytelling devices. More

The title of long-running Seattle band Earth’s latest album reads like a warning label: “Primitive and Deadly”. It’s a name that drummer Adrienne Davies calls “much more straightforward than usual” with a laugh, but an appropriate one for a collection of songs that bandleader and founder Dylan Carlson refers to as a “let’s kick ass kind of record.” More

Preternaturally talented songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Chicago native Andrew Bird has never been one to stick to the script. His live shows are a dynamic mix of violin and whistling loops, roots-y folk tunes and upbeat baroque pop, and his recorded output spans from immaculately produced studio albums to instrumental companion EPs, a myriad of live collections and even a film scoring project (2012’s “Norman”). Both on stage and in studio, Bird’s approach to his work is unlike many others. More

Experimental noise rock legends Swans, now 4 years and 3 records into a highly successful reformation, brought a towering 2-hour set to the Royale on Saturday night in support of the recently released “To Be Kind.” Norwegian art-pop singer/songwriter Jenny Hval opened.

It’s been over three years since reigning kings of oddball psychedelic pop MGMT last made its way to Boston, but the band returns Thursday night with an Orpheum Theatre show that promises to be an ambitious, freaky good time. More

Until very recently, the notion of seeing legendary shoegazers My Bloody Valentine in Boston was nothing more than a sad, unrealistic hope. Since its 2007 reunion, the band’s North American live activities have been limited in number and confined to major festivals and a very few lucky cities. But at long last, Boston joins that list of cities on Thursday night. The band has recently embarked on a brief North American trek in support of its long-delayed but finally released new record “m b v” and will stop at the House of Blues for a sold-out show. Here’s what to expect. More